83_FR_25656 83 FR 25549 - Thresholds for De Minimis Activity and Exemptions From Licensing Under the Animal Welfare Act

83 FR 25549 - Thresholds for De Minimis Activity and Exemptions From Licensing Under the Animal Welfare Act

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 107 (June 4, 2018)

Page Range25549-25555
FR Document2018-11892

We are amending the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations to implement amendments to the Act that broadened the scope of the exemptions from the licensing requirements for dealers and exhibitors. Specifically, we are broadening the licensing exemption for any person who maintains four or fewer breeding female dogs, cats, and/or small exotic or wild mammals and only sells the offspring of these animals for pets or exhibition to include additional types of pet animals and domesticated farm-type animals. In addition, we are adding a new licensing exemption for any person who maintains eight or fewer pet animals, small exotic or wild animals, and/or domesticated farm-type animals for exhibition. These actions will allow the Agency to focus its limited resources on situations that pose a higher risk to animal welfare and public safety. Finally, we are making conforming changes to the definitions of dealer and exhibitor to reflect the amendments to the Act and making several miscellaneous changes to the regulations for consistency and to remove redundant and obsolete requirements.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 107 (Monday, June 4, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 107 (Monday, June 4, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25549-25555]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11892]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

9 CFR Parts 1, 2, and 3

[Docket No. APHIS-2014-0059]
RIN 0579-AD99


Thresholds for De Minimis Activity and Exemptions From Licensing 
Under the Animal Welfare Act

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are amending the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations to 
implement amendments to the Act that broadened the scope of the 
exemptions from the licensing requirements for dealers and exhibitors. 
Specifically, we are broadening the licensing exemption for any person 
who maintains four or fewer breeding female dogs, cats, and/or small 
exotic or wild mammals and only sells the offspring of these animals 
for pets or exhibition to include additional types of pet animals and 
domesticated farm-type animals. In addition, we are adding a new 
licensing exemption for any person who maintains eight or fewer pet 
animals, small exotic or wild animals, and/or domesticated farm-type 
animals for exhibition. These actions will allow the Agency to focus 
its limited resources on situations that pose a higher risk to animal 
welfare and public safety. Finally, we are making conforming changes to 
the definitions of dealer and exhibitor to reflect the amendments to 
the Act and making several miscellaneous changes to the

[[Page 25550]]

regulations for consistency and to remove redundant and obsolete 
requirements.

DATES: Effective June 4, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Kay Carter-Corker, DVM, Director, 
National Policy Staff, USDA-APHIS-Animal Care, 4700 River Road, Unit 
84, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 851-3748.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA, or the Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et 
seq.), the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to promulgate 
standards and other requirements governing the humane handling, care, 
treatment, and transportation of certain warm-blooded animals by 
dealers, research facilities, exhibitors, operators of auction sales, 
and carriers and intermediate handlers. The Secretary has delegated 
authority for administering the AWA to the Administrator of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 
(APHIS). Within APHIS, the responsibility for administering the AWA has 
been delegated to the Deputy Administrator for Animal Care. Regulations 
and standards established under the AWA are contained in the Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) in 9 CFR parts 1, 2, and 3 (referred to below 
as the regulations).
    The AWA and regulations seek to ensure the humane handling, care, 
treatment, and transportation of certain warm-blooded animals \1\ used 
or intended for research, teaching, testing, experimentation, or 
exhibition purposes, or as a pet. Dealers and exhibitors of such 
animals must obtain licenses and comply with AWA regulations and 
standards, and their facilities are inspected by APHIS for compliance, 
unless they are otherwise exempt from the licensing requirements.
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    \1\ Under the regulations, an animal is defined as ``any live or 
dead dog, cat, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or any 
other warmblooded animal, which is being used, or is intended for 
use for research, teaching, testing, experimentation, or exhibition 
purposes, or as a pet. This term excludes birds, rats of the genus 
Rattus, and mice of the genus Mus, bred for use in research; horses 
not used for research purposes; and other farm animals, such as, but 
not limited to, livestock or poultry used or intended for use as 
food or fiber, or livestock or poultry used or intended for use for 
improving animal nutrition, breeding, management, or production 
efficiency, or for improving the quality of food or fiber. With 
respect to a dog, the term means all dogs, including those used for 
hunting, security, or breeding purposes.''
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    On August 4, 2016, we published in the Federal Register (81 FR 
51386-51394, Docket No. APHIS-2014-0059) a proposal \2\ to amend the 
regulations to conform with amendments to the Act that broadened the 
scope of the exemptions from the licensing requirements for dealers and 
exhibitors whose size of AWA-related business activities is determined 
by the Secretary to be de minimis. We also proposed other changes for 
consistency and to eliminate redundant and obsolete requirements.
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    \2\ To view the proposed rule, supporting documents, and the 
comments we received, go to http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2014-0059.
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    We solicited comments concerning our proposal for 90 days ending 
November 2, 2016. We received 29 comments on the proposal during the 
comment period. They were from exhibitors, animal welfare 
organizations, biomedical research organizations, an organization 
representing zoos and aquariums, an animal trainer, and the general 
public. We reviewed each of the comments carefully. We respond below, 
by topic, to those comments that address specific provisions of the 
proposal.

Definitions

    We proposed to amend the definitions of dealer and exhibitor in 
Sec.  1.1 of the regulations to align them with the amendments to those 
definitions in the AWA.
``Exhibitor''
    Under the AWA, an exhibitor is defined as ``any person (public or 
private) exhibiting any animals, which were purchased in commerce or 
the intended distribution of which affects commerce, or will affect 
commerce, to the public for compensation, as determined by the 
Secretary.'' The definition goes on to identify specific inclusions, 
such as circuses and zoos, and exclusions, such as livestock shows and 
purebred dog and cat shows, and fairs or exhibitions intended to 
advance agricultural arts and sciences, as may be determined by the 
Secretary. In addition, the regulations list additional examples of 
included and excluded activities.
    In 2013, an amendment \3\ to the AWA added a new exclusion to the 
definition of exhibitor for owners of common, domesticated household 
pets who derive less than a substantial portion of income from a 
nonprimary source for exhibiting an animal that exclusively resides at 
the residence of the pet owner. We proposed to add this exclusion to 
the definition of exhibitor in the regulations for consistency with the 
amended Act. We also sought comment on whether to add an explanation of 
``substantial portion of income'' to the regulations to make clear it 
would not include exhibitions that generate a minimal amount of money 
and do not constitute a main source of the person's income.
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    \3\ https://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112s3666enr/pdf/BILLS-112s3666enr.pdf.
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    One commenter observed that the proposed rule removed animal acts, 
educational exhibits, field trials, and coursing events from the list 
of activities in the regulatory definition of exhibitor and disagreed 
with their removal.
    The removal of these and other activities from the definition of 
exhibitor was inadvertent and they have been retained in this final 
rule.
    One commenter stated that the meaning of ``substantial portion of 
income'' within the definition of exhibitor is unclear and that it 
should not be described as the main source of income. The commenter 
recommended that we define ``substantial portion of income'' to mean 
``a percentage of income, the loss of which would negatively affect the 
person's standard of living,'' because a main source of income earned 
by exhibiting the animals (51 percent or higher) is too high of a 
percentage to ensure the welfare of animals exhibited by persons 
earning poverty-level wages. Another commenter similarly recommended 
that USDA more clearly define the term ``substantial'' as the proposed 
language in the definition provides insufficient guidance for regulated 
parties and law enforcement. The commenter suggested that USDA define 
``substantial portion of income'' as more than 50 percent of the 
person's income.
    We are making no changes in response to the commenters. As a 
practical matter, we anticipate that owners of common, domesticated 
household pets that fall under this particular exclusion will also be 
exempt under the licensing exemptions for exhibitors established in 
this final rule, which is broader in scope than this exclusion. 
However, if such an owner has questions, we encourage them to contact 
the appropriate Animal Care office \4\ and we will assess the situation 
and make a determination at that time.
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    \4\ https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/banner/contactus/sa_animal_welfare.
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``Dealer''
    Under the AWA, a dealer is defined as any person who, in commerce, 
for compensation or profit, delivers for transportation, or transports 
(except as a carrier), buys, or sells, or negotiates the purchase or 
sale of any animal whether alive or dead for research, teaching,

[[Page 25551]]

exhibition, or use as a pet, as well as any dog at the wholesale level 
for hunting, security or breeding purposes. This definition also lists 
certain exclusions, such as retail pet stores.
    The Agricultural Act of 2014 (referred to as the 2014 Farm Bill) 
\5\ amended this definition by removing an exclusion for any person who 
does not sell or negotiate the purchase or sale of any wild or exotic 
animal, dog, or cat and who derives no more than $500 gross income from 
the sale of animals other than wild or exotic animals, dogs, or cats 
during any calendar year. At the same time, the 2014 Farm Bill removed 
an exemption from licensing in Sec.  2133 of the AWA for any person who 
derives less than a substantial portion of his income (as determined by 
the Secretary) from the breeding and raising of dogs and cats on his 
own premises and sells such dog or cat to a dealer or research facility 
and replaced it with a broader exemption for any dealers and exhibitors 
whose size of AWA-related business activities is determined by the 
Secretary to be de minimis.
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    \5\ https://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr2642enr/pdf/BILLS-113hr2642enr.pdf.
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    In the proposed rule, we intended to make the regulations 
consistent with the 2014 Farm Bill by removing the exemption from the 
definition of dealer for any person who does not sell or negotiate the 
sale or purchase of any wild or exotic animal, dog, or cat, and who 
derives no more than $500 gross income from the sale of animals other 
than wild or exotic animals, dogs, or cats, during any calendar year. 
In addition, we proposed to remove a parallel exemption from licensing 
in Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(ii) of the regulations and add in its place an 
exemption for any person whose size of AWA-related business activities 
is determined by APHIS to be de minimis in accordance with the 
regulations.
    One commenter disagreed with the proposed change, stating that it 
will create a loophole for animal operations that are not in compliance 
with the AWA. As an example, the commenter stated that persons were 
buying three females and one male animal, breeding them in the absence 
of care standards, and selling the offspring cheaply to brokers. The 
commenter stated that these exceptions will create unfair competition 
by diminishing the ability of licensed breeders to compete for market 
share.
    We are making no changes in response to this comment. The commenter 
appears to be making reference to a different provision, contained in 
Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(iii) of the current regulations, that exempts from 
licensing any person that maintains a total of four or fewer breeding 
female dogs, cats, and/or small exotic or wild mammals and who sells, 
at wholesale, only their offspring, which were born and raised on his 
or her premises, for pets or exhibition. The proposed changes to the 
$500 gross income exemption do not change the licensing exemptions for 
dogs, cats, and/or small exotic or wild mammals. As we noted above, the 
AWA was amended to broaden exemptions from the licensing requirements 
for small-scale dealers and exhibitors, which allows APHIS to focus its 
limited resources on situations that pose a higher risk to animal 
welfare and public safety.
    Another commenter asked if the removal of the $500 gross income 
exemption meant that APHIS would now be exempting persons exhibiting 
exotic animals from the licensing requirements.
    The $500 gross income exemption only applies to persons selling or 
negotiating the sale or purchase of animals other than dogs, cats, and 
wild or exotic animals. It does not apply to the exhibition of exotic 
animals.
    After reviewing these comments and the scope of the $500 gross 
income exemption, we are amending the definition of dealer in this 
final rule to conform with the amendment to the Act, but will retain 
and make no changes to the existing licensing exemption in Sec.  
2.1(a)(3)(ii) for any person who sells or negotiates the sale or 
purchase of any animal except wild or exotic animals, dogs, or cats, 
and who derives no more than $500 gross income from the sale of such 
animals during any calendar year and is not otherwise required to 
obtain a license. This long-standing, de minimis licensing exemption 
applies to persons, such as certain small-scale pet animal resellers, 
who are not covered by any other licensing exemption and do not pose a 
high risk to animal welfare or public safety. Although removed as an 
exclusion from the definition of dealer, this licensing exemption 
continues to be authorized by Sec.  2133 of the AWA.

Four Breeding Female Licensing Exemptions

    The current regulations in Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(iii) and (vii) exempt 
from licensing any person who maintains a total of four or fewer 
breeding female dogs, cats, and/or small exotic or wild mammals and who 
sells only the offspring of those animals, which were born and raised 
on his or her premises, for pets or exhibition. In the proposed rule, 
we proposed a ``four breeding female'' exemption for additional types 
and combinations of animals, specifically, dogs, cats, rabbits, 
hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, cows, goats, pigs, and sheep.
    One commenter stated that the proposed exemption is inconsistent 
with the exemptions currently in paragraphs (a)(3)(iii) and (vii) of 
Sec.  2.1. The commenter noted that the current exemptions apply to 
breeders of small exotic or wild species with four or fewer breeding 
females under the assumption that such breeders can adequately care for 
their animals. The commenter suggested replacing the list of animals in 
the proposed de minimis exemption with the list in current Sec.  
2.1(a)(3)(iii) so that small exotic or wild species will be included 
under the de minimis exemption. Another commenter expressed similar 
concerns about having three exemptions for dealers and recommended that 
we consolidate them.
    We agree with the commenters' suggestions and are making conforming 
changes in this final rule. Specifically, we are combining the three 
exemptions (current Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(iii) and (vii) and proposed Sec.  
2.1(a)(3)(ix)) into one exemption in revised paragraph Sec.  
2.1(a)(3)(iii). We have also harmonized the list of animals, grouped 
them into categories (pet animals, small exotic and wild mammals, and 
domesticated farm-type animals) and added additional examples of 
animals (such as llamas and alpacas) that fall under this exemption for 
clarity. ``Domesticated farm-type animals'' are animals that have 
historically been kept and raised on farms in the United States. This 
consolidated exemption continues to apply to any person, including, but 
not limited to, purebred dog and cat fanciers, who meet the criteria in 
revised paragraph Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(iii), and applies to retail sales and 
wholesales alike. Finally, we made conforming edits to the definition 
of retail pet store. Specifically, we removed references to previous 
paragraph Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(vii) because that provision has been 
consolidated in revised paragraph Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(iii), which is 
authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill amendments. In addition, we updated 
references to ``domestic ferrets'' and ``farm animals'' to 
``domesticated ferrets'' and ``domesticated farm-type animals'' for 
consistency with modern usage and the terminology used in this final 
rule.
    A commenter stated that if the proposal is finalized, small 
breeders currently maintaining exotic animals under a USDA license may 
qualify as de minimis businesses and find themselves exempt from USDA 
licensing. The commenter expressed concern that

[[Page 25552]]

persons operating such businesses will face confiscation of their 
animals in States that prohibit ownership of exotic animals by 
businesses lacking a USDA license and proposed a ``grandfather clause'' 
to allow de minimis businesses in such States to keep their exotic 
animals.
    The four breeding female exemption for small exotic and wild 
mammals has been in place since 2004. Neither the proposed rule nor 
this final rule makes changes to it, other than to add additional 
examples of such animals and to combine the exemptions for retail sales 
and wholesales into one paragraph. We also note that States requiring a 
USDA license or that reduce requirements for persons with a USDA 
license primarily focus on potentially dangerous animals, not the types 
of small exotic and wild mammals that fall under this exemption, which 
are pocket pets such as chinchillas and jerboas being sold for use as 
pets or exhibition. Larger exotic or wild animals, such as lions, 
tigers, wolves, or bears, do not fall into this category.

Exhibitor Licensing Exemptions

    In the proposed rule, we also proposed de minimis exemptions from 
the licensing requirements for exhibitors based on the size of their 
AWA-related business activity as measured by the total number of 
animals maintained, the type of exhibitor activity, and/or the duration 
of the exhibition. Specifically, for persons who exhibit four or fewer 
eligible animals in permanent facilities, we proposed a de minimis 
exemption under Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(x). For seasonal exhibitors, we 
proposed an exemption in Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(xi) for any person who 
maintains a total of eight or fewer dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, 
guinea pigs, chinchillas, cows, goats, pigs, and sheep, for seasonal 
exhibition and exhibits any or all of the animals for no more than 30 
days per calendar year. We also proposed an exhibitor licensing 
exemption in Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(xii) for any person who maintains a total 
of four or fewer common, domesticated, non-dangerous household pet 
animals for infrequent or intermittent exhibition for no more than 30 
days per calendar year, who derives less than a substantial portion of 
income from a nonprimary source for exhibiting such animals, whose 
animals reside exclusively at the residence of the owner, and who is 
not otherwise required to obtain a license.
    One commenter stated that the proposal was unclear with respect to 
what animal species are eligible for the proposed de minimis exhibitor 
exemptions and asked us to clarify. With respect to the proposed de 
minimis exemption for infrequent or intermittent exhibitors, two 
commenters asked us to either define what species is meant by ``common, 
domesticated, non-dangerous household pet animal'' or provide a list of 
species that meet this criteria. One commenter stated that paragraph 
(a)(3)(xii) should reflect the de minimis exemptions in proposed 
paragraphs (a)(3)(ix) through (a)(3)(xi) that list ``dogs, cats, 
rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, cows, goats, pigs, and 
sheep.'' The commenter stated that the proposed description is open to 
interpretation and could lead to confusion as to what animal species 
are eligible for the exemption.
    In response to this comment, and consistent with our approach to 
the four breeding female exemption discussed above, we are harmonizing 
the lists of non-dangerous animals eligible for exemption and grouping 
them into categories (pet animals, small exotic and wild mammals, and 
domesticated farm-type animals). We are also adding more examples of 
animals that fall under this exhibitor exemption for clarity.
    Two commenters disagreed with the proposed numeric thresholds, 
noting that seasonal exhibitors are allowed to work up to eight animals 
while infrequent or intermittent (mainly film and theatrical) 
exhibitors are only allowed to work four animals. One of these 
commenters stated that both types of exhibition require off-site 
housing and frequent transport, putting animals at greater potential 
risk regardless of the number exhibited, yet under Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(xii) 
an infrequent or intermittent exhibitor would require a license with 
five to eight animals while seasonal exhibitors with the same number of 
animals exhibited would not require a license. Similarly, another 
commenter stated that regardless of whether animals are used for 
seasonal or infrequent exhibition, the potential impact on the animal's 
welfare is the same. For this reason, the commenter recommended that 
the seasonal exemption be limited to four or fewer animals.
    Two other commenters disagreed with the limit of days we placed on 
the seasonal exhibit exemption and said that the duration should be 
longer. One such commenter stated that many spring and fall exhibits 
run between specific weekends and are often weather dependent, and 
stated that at least 6 to 8 weeks would be better for the seasonal de 
minimis exemption. On the other hand, one commenter stated that 
seasonal exhibitions should not have a duration of more than 10 days 
per year.
    Another commenter stated that allowing infrequent or intermittent 
exhibitors up to 30 days a year to work their animals is far too high. 
The commenter, a professional pet trainer, was concerned that untrained 
pet owners would lack the knowledge necessary to keep their pets and 
other people safe on film sets and at other worksites. The commenter 
suggested that we limit the proposed exemption in Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(xii) 
to 1 or 2 days of exhibition per year, as any person working their 
animals for more days are likely generating a substantial amount of 
income while remaining exempt from licensing. The commenter said that a 
trainer can make $500 to $1,000 per day with an animal in a TV or film 
production, and that a pet working 30 days in a starring role can make 
a profit of tens of thousands of dollars. The commenter stated that 
anyone profiting by more than $100 per day from exhibiting an animal 
should be required to be licensed or work under the guidance of a 
licensed USDA trainer.
    Finally, one commenter disagreed with our use of the term 
``infrequent exhibition.'' The commenter asked who would monitor such 
exhibitors for compliance with the regulations and stated that allowing 
infrequent exhibitors to go unlicensed is not fair to licensed 
exhibitors who have to conduct recordkeeping and be inspected.
    We have reconsidered this matter and agree with the commenters that 
the animals pose similar potential risks and will likely experience 
similar treatment and care, regardless of the duration or frequency of 
the exhibition. We have concluded that individuals and businesses 
exhibiting eight or fewer pet animals, small exotic or wild animals, 
and/or domesticated farm-type animals have a de minimis size of 
business based on the number of animals maintained, capability of 
providing adequate care and treatment of such animals, and public 
oversight. Accordingly, we are revising Sec.  2.1(a)(3)(vii) to 
establish a single exemption from the licensing requirements for 
persons who maintain a total of eight or fewer pet animals, small 
exotic or wild animals, and/or domesticated farm-type animals for 
exhibition, and are not otherwise required to obtain a license. This de 
minimis threshold applies without regard to the frequency of exhibition 
and will allow the Agency to focus its limited resources on situations 
that pose a higher risk to animal welfare and public safety.
    One commenter stated that the seasonal exhibition threshold for 
exemption should be raised from 30 to 45 days, noting that apple 
orchards, corn mazes, and Christmas tree farms

[[Page 25553]]

usually display small numbers of farm animals and are open at least 45 
days. The commenter recommended that if such facilities are only 
exhibiting farm animals and are only open seasonally for 30 to 45 days, 
they should not be regulated.
    As noted in the proposed rule, the Act contains a number of 
exclusions for domesticated farm-type animals and agricultural 
practices. For example, the definition of animal excludes farm animals, 
such as, but not limited to, livestock or poultry used or intended for 
use as food or fiber, or livestock or poultry used or intended for use 
for improving animal nutrition, breeding, management, or production 
efficiency, or for improving the quality of food or fiber. In addition, 
we wish to highlight that the definition of exhibitor also contains 
exclusions for organizations sponsoring and all persons participating 
in State and county fairs, livestock shows, rodeos, and other fairs and 
exhibitions intended to advance agricultural arts and sciences as may 
be determined by the Secretary. Exhibitions of exclusively domesticated 
farm-type animals, exhibitions of traditional farming and agricultural 
practices, and exhibitions of art portraying traditional farming and 
agricultural settings, are accordingly exempt from the definition of 
exhibitor. Examples of exhibitions that may fall in this category 
include exhibition of exclusively domesticated farm-type animals (such 
as cows, goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, and alpacas), nativity scenes with 
a camel and domesticated farm-type animals displayed in a barn or other 
traditional farm-type setting, and traditional agricultural displays of 
working animals, such as reindeer pulling a sled or working on a farm. 
Exhibitions displaying other types of animals (such as lions, tigers, 
elephants, and bears) or animals other than exclusively farm-type 
animals in non-agricultural settings (such as camel rides for the 
public at a carnival), require licensure. Although the kinds of 
exhibits noted by the commenter may not all be exempt under the 
exhibitor licensing exemption, we wish to clarify that they may already 
be excluded from regulation pursuant to the definition of exhibitor.

Proposed Changes to Sec.  3.28 and Sec.  3.53

    We proposed to remove Sec. Sec.  3.28(b), 3.53(b), and 3.80(b)(1), 
which contain obsolete sheltering and minimum space requirements for 
hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and nonhuman primates, and to revise 
Sec.  3.6(a)(2)(xii) to remove phase-in dates which are no longer 
needed regarding primary enclosures for dogs and cats. We explained in 
the proposed rule that removal of these requirements will remove any 
confusion with the current regulatory requirements and will have no 
impact on facilities and animal welfare.
    Four commenters raised questions about our proposed removal of 
obsolete sheltering and minimum space requirements. One commenter asked 
if APHIS was certain that no entities were still maintaining animals 
under these requirements. Three of the commenters stated that some 
facilities may still be using primary enclosures acquired before August 
15, 1990, and asserted that they would therefore still be subject to 
the requirements we are proposing to remove. These commenters asked 
that we remove these changes from the proposed rulemaking and reissue 
the changes in a separate rulemaking so that affected facilities 
receive adequate notice and opportunity to comment.
    We have reconsidered these proposed changes in light of these 
comments and agree that some entities may still maintain hamsters, 
guinea pigs, and rabbits in enclosures acquired prior to August 15, 
1990. Therefore, we will retain Sec. Sec.  3.28(b) and 3.53(b) in the 
regulations and will consider removing them in a separate rulemaking. 
However, we are adopting the proposed revisions to Sec. Sec.  
3.6(a)(2)(xii) and 3.80(b)(1) in this final rule.

Other Comments

    One commenter encouraged APHIS to investigate sanctuaries and 
private collections holding dangerous animals, as such facilities 
appear to be exhibiting animals for purposes that affect commerce for 
compensation in the absence of USDA oversight.
    APHIS looks into any credible complaints or information it receives 
regarding individuals or businesses that may be engaging in regulated 
activity without the required license. To report a concern about an 
animal covered under the AWA, the public may submit a complaint online 
at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalwelfare/complaint-form, or by contacting one of our Animal Care offices.\6\
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    \6\ See Footnote 4.
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    One commenter asked that we lift the stay imposed on the disaster 
contingency plan rulemaking as soon as possible.
    As we noted in the proposed rule, the Secretary is reviewing the 
impact of the 2014 Farm Bill amendment on the contingency plan 
rulemaking and will decide whether to lift the stay once the review is 
concluded.
    Another commenter stated concerns about how APHIS decides which 
current license holders meet the exemption threshold, citing 
inconsistent data in the APHIS database regarding the number of animals 
reported at the premises of licensees. Given these inconsistencies, the 
commenter asked whether APHIS can reliably determine who qualifies for 
the exemption and who does not.
    We will continue to use the information submitted to APHIS by 
current license holders and the number of animals observed during the 
inspection process to determine if they meet the exemption thresholds. 
We consider our process for determining exemptions to be accurate and 
reliable.
    We also received a number of general comments that were outside the 
scope of the rulemaking.
    Finally, we are also making several nonsubstantive miscellaneous 
changes for consistency.
    Therefore, for the reasons given in the proposed rule and in this 
document, we are adopting the proposed rule as a final rule with the 
changes discussed in this document.

Effective Date

    This is a substantive rule that relieves restrictions and, pursuant 
to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553, may be made effective less than 30 
days after publication in the Federal Register.
    This rule relieves regulatory responsibilities for some currently 
licensed entities and reduces the cost of business for those entities. 
Those currently licensed exhibitors and dealers (including breeders 
meeting the definition of dealer) who are under the proposed de minimis 
thresholds will no longer be subject to licensing, animal 
identification, and recordkeeping requirements under the AWA. 
Therefore, the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service has determined that this rule should be effective upon 
publication in the Federal Register.

Executive Orders 12866 and 13771 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for the 
purposes of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed 
by the Office of Management and Budget.
    This rule is not an Executive Order 13771 regulatory action because 
this rule is not significant under Executive Order 12866. Further, 
APHIS considers this rule to be a deregulatory action under Executive 
Order 13771 as the action relieves regulatory responsibilities for some 
currently

[[Page 25554]]

licensed entities and reduces the cost of business for those entities.
    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 604, we have performed a final 
regulatory flexibility analysis, which is summarized below, regarding 
the economic effects of this rule on small entities. Copies of the full 
analysis are available on the Regulations.gov website (see footnote 2 
in this document for a link to Regulations.gov) or by contacting the 
person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    This rule relieves regulatory responsibilities for some currently 
licensed entities and reduces the cost of business for those entities. 
Those currently licensed exhibitors and dealers (including breeders 
meeting the definition of dealer) who are under the proposed de minimis 
thresholds will no longer be subject to licensing, animal 
identification, and recordkeeping requirements under the AWA.
    The cost of a license for the smallest entities is between $40 and 
$85 annually. Identification tags for dogs and cats cost from $1.12 to 
$2.50 each. Other covered animals can be identified by a label attached 
to the primary enclosure containing a description of the animals in the 
enclosure at negligible cost. We estimate that the average currently 
licensed entity potentially affected by this rule spends about 10 hours 
annually to comply with the licensing paperwork and recordkeeping 
requirements. All of the currently licensed entities that will be 
considered de minimis under this rule benefit from reduced costs for 
licensing, identification, and recordkeeping.
    We estimate that about 323 currently licensed exhibitors and 
breeders with a total of 1,106 animals operating at or below the 
thresholds for their particular AWA-related business activity will be 
considered de minimis and will no longer need to be licensed. We 
estimate that the cost savings for all these entities could total 
between about $62,000 and $68,500 annually. Our estimate of cost 
savings is based on agency experience and data from the APHIS Animal 
Care database on current licensees. We used information from the 
database on the type of animals and number of each type of animal at a 
current licensee, and their most recent inspection reports to determine 
the number of current licensees who could potentially be exempt based 
on the criteria established in this rule.
    Based on our review of available information, APHIS does not expect 
the rule to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number 
of small entities. We did not receive information concerning affected 
entities during the public comment period on the proposed rule that 
would alter this assessment. In the absence of apparent significant 
economic impacts, we have not identified steps that would minimize such 
impacts.

Executive Order 12372

    This program/activity is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under No. 10.025 and is subject to Executive Order 12372, 
which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local 
officials. (See 2 CFR chapter IV.)

Executive Order 12988

    This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. It is not intended to have retroactive effect. 
The Act does not provide administrative procedures which must be 
exhausted prior to a judicial challenge to the provisions of this rule.

Executive Order 13175

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order 13175 requires Federal agencies 
to consult and coordinate with tribes on a government-to-government 
basis on policies that have tribal implications, including regulations, 
legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy 
statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or 
more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government 
and Indian tribes or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
    The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has assessed the 
impact of this rule on Indian tribes and determined that this rule does 
not, to our knowledge, have tribal implications that require tribal 
consultation under Executive Order 13175. We did not receive any 
requests from tribes for consultation regarding the proposed rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with section 3507(d) of the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the information collection 
requirements included in this final rule are approved under Office of 
Management and Budget control number 0579-0036.

E-Government Act Compliance

    The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is committed to 
compliance with the EGovernment Act to promote the use of the internet 
and other information technologies, to provide increased opportunities 
for citizen access to Government information and services, and for 
other purposes. For information pertinent to E-Government Act 
compliance related to this rule, please contact Ms. Kimberly Hardy, 
APHIS' Information Collection Coordinator, at (301) 851-2483.

List of Subjects in 9 CFR Parts 1, 2, and 3

    Animal welfare, Marine mammals, Pets, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Research, Transportation.

    Accordingly, we are amending 9 CFR parts 1, 2, and 3 as follows:

PART 1--DEFINITION OF TERMS

0
1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131-2159; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.7.

0
2. Section 1.1 is amended by revising the definitions of Dealer, 
Exhibitor, and Retail pet store to read as follows:


Sec.  1.1  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Dealer means any person who, in commerce, for compensation or 
profit, delivers for transportation, or transports, except as a 
carrier, buys, or sells, or negotiates the purchase or sale of: Any dog 
or other animal whether alive or dead (including unborn animals, 
organs, limbs, blood, serum, or other parts) for research, teaching, 
testing, experimentation, exhibition, or use as a pet; or any dog at 
the wholesale level for hunting, security, or breeding purposes. This 
term does not include: A retail pet store, as defined in this section; 
and any retail outlet where dogs are sold for hunting, breeding, or 
security purposes.
* * * * *
    Exhibitor means any person (public or private) exhibiting any 
animals, which were purchased in commerce or the intended distribution 
of which affects commerce, or will affect commerce, to the public for 
compensation, as determined by the Secretary. This term includes 
carnivals, circuses, animal acts, zoos, and educational exhibits, 
exhibiting such animals whether operated for profit or not. This term 
excludes retail pet stores, horse and dog races, an owner of a common, 
domesticated household pet who derives less than a substantial portion 
of income from a nonprimary source (as determined by the Secretary) for 
exhibiting an animal that exclusively resides at the residence of the 
pet owner, organizations sponsoring and all persons participating in 
State and

[[Page 25555]]

country fairs, livestock shows, rodeos, field trials, coursing events, 
purebred dog and cat shows, and any other fairs or exhibitions intended 
to advance agricultural arts and sciences, as may be determined by the 
Secretary.
* * * * *
    Retail pet store means a place of business or residence at which 
the seller, buyer, and the animal available for sale are physically 
present so that every buyer may personally observe the animal prior to 
purchasing and/or taking custody of that animal after purchase, and 
where only the following animals are sold or offered for sale, at 
retail, for use as pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, 
gerbils, rats, mice, gophers, chinchillas, domesticated ferrets, 
domesticated farm-type animals, birds, and coldblooded species. Such 
definition excludes--
    (1) Establishments or persons who deal in dogs used for hunting, 
security, or breeding purposes;
    (2) Establishments or persons exhibiting, selling, or offering to 
exhibit or sell any wild or exotic or other nonpet species of 
warmblooded animals (except birds), such as skunks, raccoons, nonhuman 
primates, squirrels, ocelots, foxes, coyotes, etc.;
    (3) Any establishment or person selling warmblooded animals (except 
birds, and laboratory rats and mice) for research or exhibition 
purposes;
    (4) Any establishment wholesaling any animals (except birds, rats, 
and mice); and
    (5) Any establishment exhibiting pet animals in a room that is 
separate from or adjacent to the retail pet store, or in an outside 
area, or anywhere off the retail pet store premises.
* * * * *

PART 2--REGULATIONS

0
3. The authority citation for part 2 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131-2159; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.7.

0
4. Section 2.1 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(3)(iii), 
(a)(3)(vii), and (c)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1  Requirements and application.

    (a) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) Any person who maintains a total of four or fewer breeding 
female pet animals as defined in part 1 of this subchapter, small 
exotic or wild mammals (such as hedgehogs, degus, spiny mice, prairie 
dogs, flying squirrels, jerboas, domesticated ferrets, chinchillas, and 
gerbils), and/or domesticated farm-type animals (such as cows, goats, 
pigs, sheep, llamas, and alpacas) and sells only the offspring of these 
animals, which were born and raised on his or her premises, for pets or 
exhibition, and is not otherwise required to obtain a license. This 
exemption does not extend to any person residing in a household that 
collectively maintains a total of more than four of these breeding 
female animals, regardless of ownership, or to any person maintaining 
such breeding female animals on premises on which more than four of 
these breeding female animals are maintained, or to any person acting 
in concert with others where they collectively maintain a total of more 
than four of these breeding female animals, regardless of ownership;
* * * * *
    (vii) Any person who maintains a total of eight or fewer pet 
animals as defined in part 1 of this subchapter, small exotic or wild 
mammals (such as hedgehogs, degus, spiny mice, prairie dogs, flying 
squirrels, jerboas, domesticated ferrets, chinchillas, and gerbils), 
and/or domesticated farm-type animals (such as cows, goats, pigs, 
sheep, llamas, and alpacas) for exhibition, and is not otherwise 
required to obtain a license. This exemption does not extend to any 
person acting in concert with others where they collectively maintain a 
total of more than eight of these animals for exhibition, regardless of 
possession and/or ownership;
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) The applicant has paid the application fee of $10 and the 
annual license fee indicated in Sec.  2.6 to the appropriate Animal 
Care regional office for an initial license.
* * * * *

PART 3--STANDARDS

0
5. The authority citation for part 3 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 2131-2159; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.7.


0
6. Section 3.6 is amended:
0
a. By revising paragraph (a)(2)(xii);
0
b. By removing paragraph (b)(1)(i);
0
c. By removing paragraph (b)(1)(ii) introductory text;
0
d. By redesignating paragraphs (b)(1)(iii) and (b)(1)(iv) as paragraphs 
(b)(1)(iv) and (b)(1)(v) respectively; and
0
e. By redesignating paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(A), (b)(1)(ii)(B), and 
(b)(1)(ii)(C) as paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (b)(1)(ii), and (b)(1)(iii) 
respectively.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  3.6   Primary enclosures.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (xii) If the suspended floor of a primary enclosure is constructed 
of metal strands, the strands must either be greater than \1/8\ of an 
inch in diameter (9 gauge) or coated with a material such as plastic or 
fiberglass. The suspended floor of any primary enclosure must be strong 
enough so that the floor does not sag or bend between the structural 
supports.
* * * * *


Sec.  3.80   [Amended]

0
7. Section 3.80 is amended:
0
a. By removing paragraph (b)(1);
0
b. By removing paragraph (b)(2) introductory text;
0
c. By redesignating paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (iv) as paragraphs 
(b)(1) through (4), respectively;
0
d. In newly redesignated paragraph (b)(1), footnote 4, by removing the 
words ``paragraph (b)(2)(ii)'' and adding the words ``paragraph 
(b)(2)'' in their place;
0
e. In newly redesignated paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(4) by removing the 
words ``paragraph (b)(2)(i)'' and adding the words ``paragraph (b)(1)'' 
in their place; and
0
f. In paragraph (c), by removing the words ``paragraphs (b)(1) and 
(b)(2)'' and adding the words ``paragraph (b)'' in their place.


Sec.  3.127  [Amended]

0
8. In Sec.  3.127, paragraph (d)(5) is amended by removing the words 
``farm animals'' and adding the words ``domesticated farm-type 
animals'' in their place.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 29th day of May 2018.
Kevin Shea,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11892 Filed 6-1-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-34-P



                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                                25549

                                              be maintained throughout the export                     guidelines in place to reduce pest                        (e) Phytosanitary certificate. Each
                                              process, from the place of production                   populations.                                           consignment of fresh tree tomato fruit
                                              until the tomatoes are released for entry                  (5) If APHIS or the NPPO of Ecuador                 from Ecuador must be accompanied by
                                              into the continental United States. The                 determines that a registered place of                  a phytosanitary certificate, issued by the
                                              means of identification that allows the                 production has failed to follow the                    NPPO of Ecuador, that contains an
                                              lot to be traced back to the place of                   requirements in this paragraph (b), the                additional declaration that the tomatoes
                                              production in which it was produced,                    place of production will be excluded                   were produced in accordance with the
                                              and the packinghouse in which it was                    from the export program until APHIS                    requirements of this section, and have
                                              packed, must be described in the                        and the NPPO of Ecuador jointly agree                  been inspected and found free of A.
                                              operational workplan.                                   that the place of production has taken                 fraterculus, C. capitata, N. elegantalis,
                                                 (6) Commercial consignments. Tree                    appropriate remedial measures to                       and the Tamarillo mosaic virus.
                                              tomatoes from Ecuador may be imported                   address the plant pest risk.
                                              in commercial consignments only.                           (c) Packinghouse requirements. (1)                  (Approved by the Office of Management
                                                 (7) Safeguarding. Lots of tree tomatoes              During the time registered                             and Budget under control number 0579–
                                              destined for export to the continental                  packinghouses are in use for packing                   0464)
                                              United States must be safeguarded                       tree tomatoes for export to the                          Done in Washington, DC, this 29th day of
                                              during movement from registered places                  continental United States, the                         May 2018.
                                              of production to registered                             packinghouse can only accept tree                      Kevin Shea,
                                              packinghouses, and from registered                      tomatoes that are from registered places               Administrator, Animal and Plant Health
                                              packinghouses to arrival at the port of                 of production and that are produced in                 Inspection Service.
                                              entry into the continental United States,               accordance with this section.                          [FR Doc. 2018–11890 Filed 6–1–18; 8:45 am]
                                              as specified by the operational                            (2) Tree tomatoes must be packed in                 BILLING CODE 3410–34–P
                                              workplan.                                               insect-proof cartons or containers, or
                                                 (b) Places of production requirements.               covered with insect-proof mesh or
                                              (1) Registered places of production of                  plastic tarpaulin, within 24 hours of
                                                                                                                                                             DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                              tree tomatoes destined for export to the                harvest. These safeguards must remain
                                              continental United States must be                       intact until the tree tomatoes arrive in               Animal and Plant Health Inspection
                                              determined by APHIS and the NPPO of                     the United States, or the consignment                  Service
                                              Ecuador to be free from A. fraterculus                  will not be allowed to enter the United
                                              and C. capitata based on trapping                       States.                                                9 CFR Parts 1, 2, and 3
                                              conducted in accordance with the                           (3) All openings to the outside of the
                                              operational workplan. If the flies per                  packinghouse must be covered by                        [Docket No. APHIS–2014–0059]
                                              trap per day exceed levels specified in                 screening with openings of not more                    RIN 0579–AD99
                                              the operational workplan, the place of                  than 1.6 mm or by some other barrier
                                              production will be prohibited from                      that prevents pests from entering. The                 Thresholds for De Minimis Activity and
                                              exporting tree tomatoes to the                          packinghouse must have double doors                    Exemptions From Licensing Under the
                                              continental United States until APHIS                   at the entrance to the facility and at the             Animal Welfare Act
                                              and the NPPO of Ecuador jointly agree                   interior entrance to the area where the
                                              that the risk has been mitigated. The                   tree tomatoes are packed.                              AGENCY:  Animal and Plant Health
                                              NPPO must keep records regarding the                       (d) Phytosanitary inspections. A                    Inspection Service, USDA.
                                              placement and monitoring of all traps,                  biometric sample of tree tomato fruit                  ACTION: Final rule.
                                              as well as records of all pest detections               jointly agreed upon by the NPPO of
                                              in these traps, for at least 1 year and                 Ecuador and APHIS must be inspected                    SUMMARY:   We are amending the Animal
                                              provide the records to APHIS, upon                      in Ecuador by the NPPO of Ecuador or                   Welfare Act (AWA) regulations to
                                              request.                                                officials authorized by the NPPO of                    implement amendments to the Act that
                                                 (2) Places of production must remove                 Ecuador following post-harvest                         broadened the scope of the exemptions
                                              fallen tree tomato fruit in accordance                  processing. The sample must be visually                from the licensing requirements for
                                              with the operational workplan. Fallen                   inspected for N. elegantalis and                       dealers and exhibitors. Specifically, we
                                              fruit may not be included in field                      Tamarillo mosaic virus. A portion of the               are broadening the licensing exemption
                                              containers of fruit brought to the                      fruit must then be cut open and                        for any person who maintains four or
                                              packinghouse to be packed for export.                   inspected for A. fraterculus and C.                    fewer breeding female dogs, cats, and/or
                                                 (3) The NPPO of Ecuador must                         capitata.                                              small exotic or wild mammals and only
                                              inspect fields at registered places of                     (1) If N. elegantalis is found, the                 sells the offspring of these animals for
                                              production at least once during the                     entire lot of fruit will be prohibited from            pets or exhibition to include additional
                                              growing season for Tamarillo mosaic                     import into the United States unless it                types of pet animals and domesticated
                                              virus. Sites must be determined by the                  is treated with an approved quarantine                 farm-type animals. In addition, we are
                                              NPPO to be free of the virus as a result                treatment monitored by APHIS.                          adding a new licensing exemption for
                                              of these inspections.                                      (2) If Tamarillo mosaic virus is found,             any person who maintains eight or
                                                 (4) Starting 60 days before harvest and              the entire lot of fruit will be prohibited             fewer pet animals, small exotic or wild
                                              continuing throughout the shipping                      from importation into the United States.               animals, and/or domesticated farm-type
                                              season, the NPPO of Ecuador must visit                     (3) If a single larva of A. fraterculus             animals for exhibition. These actions
                                              and inspect registered places of                        and C. capitata is found, the entire lot               will allow the Agency to focus its
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                                              production monthly for signs of                         of fruit will be prohibited from                       limited resources on situations that pose
                                              infestation. The NPPO of Ecuador must                   importation to the United States and the               a higher risk to animal welfare and
                                              allow APHIS to monitor these                            place of production producing that fruit               public safety. Finally, we are making
                                              inspections. The NPPO of Ecuador must                   will be suspended from the export                      conforming changes to the definitions of
                                              also certify to APHIS that registered                   program until appropriate measures, as                 dealer and exhibitor to reflect the
                                              places of production have effective fruit               agreed upon by the NPPO of Ecuador                     amendments to the Act and making
                                              fly trapping programs and control                       and APHIS, have been taken.                            several miscellaneous changes to the


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                                              25550                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              regulations for consistency and to                      proposal 2 to amend the regulations to                 the amended Act. We also sought
                                              remove redundant and obsolete                           conform with amendments to the Act                     comment on whether to add an
                                              requirements.                                           that broadened the scope of the                        explanation of ‘‘substantial portion of
                                                                                                      exemptions from the licensing                          income’’ to the regulations to make clear
                                              DATES:   Effective June 4, 2018.
                                                                                                      requirements for dealers and exhibitors                it would not include exhibitions that
                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Dr.                   whose size of AWA-related business                     generate a minimal amount of money
                                              Kay Carter-Corker, DVM, Director,                       activities is determined by the Secretary              and do not constitute a main source of
                                              National Policy Staff, USDA–APHIS-                      to be de minimis. We also proposed                     the person’s income.
                                              Animal Care, 4700 River Road, Unit 84,                  other changes for consistency and to                      One commenter observed that the
                                              Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 851–3748.                    eliminate redundant and obsolete                       proposed rule removed animal acts,
                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              requirements.                                          educational exhibits, field trials, and
                                                                                                         We solicited comments concerning                    coursing events from the list of activities
                                              Background                                              our proposal for 90 days ending                        in the regulatory definition of exhibitor
                                                 Under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA,                   November 2, 2016. We received 29                       and disagreed with their removal.
                                              or the Act, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.), the                 comments on the proposal during the                       The removal of these and other
                                              Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to               comment period. They were from                         activities from the definition of
                                              promulgate standards and other                          exhibitors, animal welfare                             exhibitor was inadvertent and they have
                                              requirements governing the humane                       organizations, biomedical research                     been retained in this final rule.
                                              handling, care, treatment, and                          organizations, an organization                            One commenter stated that the
                                              transportation of certain warm-blooded                  representing zoos and aquariums, an                    meaning of ‘‘substantial portion of
                                              animals by dealers, research facilities,                animal trainer, and the general public.                income’’ within the definition of
                                              exhibitors, operators of auction sales,                 We reviewed each of the comments                       exhibitor is unclear and that it should
                                              and carriers and intermediate handlers.                 carefully. We respond below, by topic,                 not be described as the main source of
                                              The Secretary has delegated authority                   to those comments that address specific                income. The commenter recommended
                                              for administering the AWA to the                        provisions of the proposal.                            that we define ‘‘substantial portion of
                                              Administrator of the U.S. Department of                 Definitions                                            income’’ to mean ‘‘a percentage of
                                              Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health                                                                          income, the loss of which would
                                                                                                        We proposed to amend the definitions                 negatively affect the person’s standard
                                              Inspection Service (APHIS). Within                      of dealer and exhibitor in § 1.1 of the
                                              APHIS, the responsibility for                                                                                  of living,’’ because a main source of
                                                                                                      regulations to align them with the                     income earned by exhibiting the
                                              administering the AWA has been                          amendments to those definitions in the
                                              delegated to the Deputy Administrator                                                                          animals (51 percent or higher) is too
                                                                                                      AWA.                                                   high of a percentage to ensure the
                                              for Animal Care. Regulations and
                                              standards established under the AWA                     ‘‘Exhibitor’’                                          welfare of animals exhibited by persons
                                              are contained in the Code of Federal                                                                           earning poverty-level wages. Another
                                                                                                         Under the AWA, an exhibitor is
                                              Regulations (CFR) in 9 CFR parts 1, 2,                                                                         commenter similarly recommended that
                                                                                                      defined as ‘‘any person (public or
                                              and 3 (referred to below as the                                                                                USDA more clearly define the term
                                                                                                      private) exhibiting any animals, which
                                              regulations).                                                                                                  ‘‘substantial’’ as the proposed language
                                                                                                      were purchased in commerce or the
                                                                                                                                                             in the definition provides insufficient
                                                 The AWA and regulations seek to                      intended distribution of which affects
                                                                                                                                                             guidance for regulated parties and law
                                              ensure the humane handling, care,                       commerce, or will affect commerce, to
                                                                                                                                                             enforcement. The commenter suggested
                                              treatment, and transportation of certain                the public for compensation, as
                                                                                                                                                             that USDA define ‘‘substantial portion
                                              warm-blooded animals 1 used or                          determined by the Secretary.’’ The
                                                                                                                                                             of income’’ as more than 50 percent of
                                              intended for research, teaching, testing,               definition goes on to identify specific
                                                                                                                                                             the person’s income.
                                              experimentation, or exhibition                          inclusions, such as circuses and zoos,                    We are making no changes in
                                              purposes, or as a pet. Dealers and                      and exclusions, such as livestock shows                response to the commenters. As a
                                              exhibitors of such animals must obtain                  and purebred dog and cat shows, and                    practical matter, we anticipate that
                                              licenses and comply with AWA                            fairs or exhibitions intended to advance               owners of common, domesticated
                                              regulations and standards, and their                    agricultural arts and sciences, as may be              household pets that fall under this
                                              facilities are inspected by APHIS for                   determined by the Secretary. In                        particular exclusion will also be exempt
                                              compliance, unless they are otherwise                   addition, the regulations list additional              under the licensing exemptions for
                                              exempt from the licensing requirements.                 examples of included and excluded                      exhibitors established in this final rule,
                                                 On August 4, 2016, we published in                   activities.                                            which is broader in scope than this
                                              the Federal Register (81 FR 51386–                         In 2013, an amendment 3 to the AWA
                                                                                                                                                             exclusion. However, if such an owner
                                              51394, Docket No. APHIS–2014–0059) a                    added a new exclusion to the definition
                                                                                                                                                             has questions, we encourage them to
                                                                                                      of exhibitor for owners of common,
                                                                                                                                                             contact the appropriate Animal Care
                                                 1 Under the regulations, an animal is defined as     domesticated household pets who
                                                                                                                                                             office 4 and we will assess the situation
                                              ‘‘any live or dead dog, cat, nonhuman primate,          derive less than a substantial portion of
                                              guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or any other                                                                      and make a determination at that time.
                                                                                                      income from a nonprimary source for
                                              warmblooded animal, which is being used, or is                                                                 ‘‘Dealer’’
                                              intended for use for research, teaching, testing,
                                                                                                      exhibiting an animal that exclusively
                                              experimentation, or exhibition purposes, or as a pet.   resides at the residence of the pet                       Under the AWA, a dealer is defined
                                              This term excludes birds, rats of the genus Rattus,     owner. We proposed to add this                         as any person who, in commerce, for
                                              and mice of the genus Mus, bred for use in research;    exclusion to the definition of exhibitor               compensation or profit, delivers for
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES




                                              horses not used for research purposes; and other
                                              farm animals, such as, but not limited to, livestock
                                                                                                      in the regulations for consistency with                transportation, or transports (except as a
                                              or poultry used or intended for use as food or fiber,                                                          carrier), buys, or sells, or negotiates the
                                                                                                        2 To view the proposed rule, supporting
                                              or livestock or poultry used or intended for use for                                                           purchase or sale of any animal whether
                                              improving animal nutrition, breeding, management,       documents, and the comments we received, go to
                                              or production efficiency, or for improving the          http://www.regulations.gov/#!docket                    alive or dead for research, teaching,
                                              quality of food or fiber. With respect to a dog, the    Detail;D=APHIS-2014-0059.
                                              term means all dogs, including those used for             3 https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-                 4 https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/banner/

                                              hunting, security, or breeding purposes.’’              112s3666enr/pdf/BILLS-112s3666enr.pdf.                 contactus/sa_animal_welfare.



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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                            25551

                                              exhibition, or use as a pet, as well as                 current regulations, that exempts from                 female’’ exemption for additional types
                                              any dog at the wholesale level for                      licensing any person that maintains a                  and combinations of animals,
                                              hunting, security or breeding purposes.                 total of four or fewer breeding female                 specifically, dogs, cats, rabbits,
                                              This definition also lists certain                      dogs, cats, and/or small exotic or wild                hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas,
                                              exclusions, such as retail pet stores.                  mammals and who sells, at wholesale,                   cows, goats, pigs, and sheep.
                                                 The Agricultural Act of 2014 (referred               only their offspring, which were born                     One commenter stated that the
                                              to as the 2014 Farm Bill) 5 amended this                and raised on his or her premises, for                 proposed exemption is inconsistent
                                              definition by removing an exclusion for                 pets or exhibition. The proposed                       with the exemptions currently in
                                              any person who does not sell or                         changes to the $500 gross income                       paragraphs (a)(3)(iii) and (vii) of § 2.1.
                                              negotiate the purchase or sale of any                   exemption do not change the licensing                  The commenter noted that the current
                                              wild or exotic animal, dog, or cat and                  exemptions for dogs, cats, and/or small                exemptions apply to breeders of small
                                              who derives no more than $500 gross                     exotic or wild mammals. As we noted                    exotic or wild species with four or fewer
                                              income from the sale of animals other                   above, the AWA was amended to                          breeding females under the assumption
                                              than wild or exotic animals, dogs, or                   broaden exemptions from the licensing                  that such breeders can adequately care
                                              cats during any calendar year. At the                   requirements for small-scale dealers and               for their animals. The commenter
                                              same time, the 2014 Farm Bill removed                   exhibitors, which allows APHIS to focus                suggested replacing the list of animals
                                              an exemption from licensing in § 2133                   its limited resources on situations that               in the proposed de minimis exemption
                                              of the AWA for any person who derives                   pose a higher risk to animal welfare and               with the list in current § 2.1(a)(3)(iii) so
                                              less than a substantial portion of his                  public safety.                                         that small exotic or wild species will be
                                              income (as determined by the Secretary)                    Another commenter asked if the                      included under the de minimis
                                              from the breeding and raising of dogs                   removal of the $500 gross income                       exemption. Another commenter
                                              and cats on his own premises and sells                  exemption meant that APHIS would                       expressed similar concerns about having
                                              such dog or cat to a dealer or research                 now be exempting persons exhibiting                    three exemptions for dealers and
                                              facility and replaced it with a broader                 exotic animals from the licensing                      recommended that we consolidate them.
                                              exemption for any dealers and                           requirements.                                             We agree with the commenters’
                                              exhibitors whose size of AWA-related                       The $500 gross income exemption                     suggestions and are making conforming
                                              business activities is determined by the                only applies to persons selling or                     changes in this final rule. Specifically,
                                              Secretary to be de minimis.                             negotiating the sale or purchase of                    we are combining the three exemptions
                                                 In the proposed rule, we intended to                 animals other than dogs, cats, and wild                (current § 2.1(a)(3)(iii) and (vii) and
                                              make the regulations consistent with the                or exotic animals. It does not apply to                proposed § 2.1(a)(3)(ix)) into one
                                              2014 Farm Bill by removing the                          the exhibition of exotic animals.                      exemption in revised paragraph
                                              exemption from the definition of dealer                    After reviewing these comments and                  § 2.1(a)(3)(iii). We have also harmonized
                                              for any person who does not sell or                     the scope of the $500 gross income                     the list of animals, grouped them into
                                              negotiate the sale or purchase of any                   exemption, we are amending the                         categories (pet animals, small exotic and
                                              wild or exotic animal, dog, or cat, and                 definition of dealer in this final rule to             wild mammals, and domesticated farm-
                                              who derives no more than $500 gross                     conform with the amendment to the                      type animals) and added additional
                                              income from the sale of animals other                   Act, but will retain and make no                       examples of animals (such as llamas and
                                              than wild or exotic animals, dogs, or                   changes to the existing licensing                      alpacas) that fall under this exemption
                                              cats, during any calendar year. In                      exemption in § 2.1(a)(3)(ii) for any                   for clarity. ‘‘Domesticated farm-type
                                              addition, we proposed to remove a                       person who sells or negotiates the sale                animals’’ are animals that have
                                              parallel exemption from licensing in                    or purchase of any animal except wild                  historically been kept and raised on
                                              § 2.1(a)(3)(ii) of the regulations and add              or exotic animals, dogs, or cats, and who              farms in the United States. This
                                              in its place an exemption for any person                derives no more than $500 gross income                 consolidated exemption continues to
                                              whose size of AWA-related business                      from the sale of such animals during                   apply to any person, including, but not
                                              activities is determined by APHIS to be                 any calendar year and is not otherwise                 limited to, purebred dog and cat
                                              de minimis in accordance with the                       required to obtain a license. This long-               fanciers, who meet the criteria in
                                              regulations.                                            standing, de minimis licensing                         revised paragraph § 2.1(a)(3)(iii), and
                                                 One commenter disagreed with the                     exemption applies to persons, such as                  applies to retail sales and wholesales
                                              proposed change, stating that it will                   certain small-scale pet animal resellers,              alike. Finally, we made conforming
                                              create a loophole for animal operations                 who are not covered by any other                       edits to the definition of retail pet store.
                                              that are not in compliance with the                     licensing exemption and do not pose a                  Specifically, we removed references to
                                              AWA. As an example, the commenter                       high risk to animal welfare or public                  previous paragraph § 2.1(a)(3)(vii)
                                              stated that persons were buying three                   safety. Although removed as an                         because that provision has been
                                              females and one male animal, breeding                   exclusion from the definition of dealer,               consolidated in revised paragraph
                                              them in the absence of care standards,                  this licensing exemption continues to be               § 2.1(a)(3)(iii), which is authorized by
                                              and selling the offspring cheaply to                    authorized by § 2133 of the AWA.                       the 2014 Farm Bill amendments. In
                                              brokers. The commenter stated that                                                                             addition, we updated references to
                                                                                                      Four Breeding Female Licensing                         ‘‘domestic ferrets’’ and ‘‘farm animals’’
                                              these exceptions will create unfair                     Exemptions
                                              competition by diminishing the ability                                                                         to ‘‘domesticated ferrets’’ and
                                              of licensed breeders to compete for                        The current regulations in                          ‘‘domesticated farm-type animals’’ for
                                              market share.                                           § 2.1(a)(3)(iii) and (vii) exempt from                 consistency with modern usage and the
                                                 We are making no changes in                          licensing any person who maintains a                   terminology used in this final rule.
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                                              response to this comment. The                           total of four or fewer breeding female                    A commenter stated that if the
                                              commenter appears to be making                          dogs, cats, and/or small exotic or wild                proposal is finalized, small breeders
                                              reference to a different provision,                     mammals and who sells only the                         currently maintaining exotic animals
                                              contained in § 2.1(a)(3)(iii) of the                    offspring of those animals, which were                 under a USDA license may qualify as de
                                                                                                      born and raised on his or her premises,                minimis businesses and find themselves
                                                5 https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-                for pets or exhibition. In the proposed                exempt from USDA licensing. The
                                              113hr2642enr/pdf/BILLS-113hr2642enr.pdf.                rule, we proposed a ‘‘four breeding                    commenter expressed concern that


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                                              25552                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              persons operating such businesses will                  minimis exemption for infrequent or                    exhibitors up to 30 days a year to work
                                              face confiscation of their animals in                   intermittent exhibitors, two commenters                their animals is far too high. The
                                              States that prohibit ownership of exotic                asked us to either define what species                 commenter, a professional pet trainer,
                                              animals by businesses lacking a USDA                    is meant by ‘‘common, domesticated,                    was concerned that untrained pet
                                              license and proposed a ‘‘grandfather                    non-dangerous household pet animal’’                   owners would lack the knowledge
                                              clause’’ to allow de minimis businesses                 or provide a list of species that meet this            necessary to keep their pets and other
                                              in such States to keep their exotic                     criteria. One commenter stated that                    people safe on film sets and at other
                                              animals.                                                paragraph (a)(3)(xii) should reflect the               worksites. The commenter suggested
                                                 The four breeding female exemption                   de minimis exemptions in proposed                      that we limit the proposed exemption in
                                              for small exotic and wild mammals has                   paragraphs (a)(3)(ix) through (a)(3)(xi)               § 2.1(a)(3)(xii) to 1 or 2 days of
                                              been in place since 2004. Neither the                   that list ‘‘dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters,             exhibition per year, as any person
                                              proposed rule nor this final rule makes                 guinea pigs, chinchillas, cows, goats,                 working their animals for more days are
                                              changes to it, other than to add                        pigs, and sheep.’’ The commenter stated                likely generating a substantial amount of
                                              additional examples of such animals                     that the proposed description is open to               income while remaining exempt from
                                              and to combine the exemptions for retail                interpretation and could lead to                       licensing. The commenter said that a
                                              sales and wholesales into one                           confusion as to what animal species are                trainer can make $500 to $1,000 per day
                                              paragraph. We also note that States                     eligible for the exemption.                            with an animal in a TV or film
                                              requiring a USDA license or that reduce                    In response to this comment, and                    production, and that a pet working 30
                                              requirements for persons with a USDA                    consistent with our approach to the four               days in a starring role can make a profit
                                              license primarily focus on potentially                  breeding female exemption discussed                    of tens of thousands of dollars. The
                                              dangerous animals, not the types of                     above, we are harmonizing the lists of                 commenter stated that anyone profiting
                                              small exotic and wild mammals that fall                 non-dangerous animals eligible for                     by more than $100 per day from
                                              under this exemption, which are pocket                  exemption and grouping them into                       exhibiting an animal should be required
                                              pets such as chinchillas and jerboas                    categories (pet animals, small exotic and              to be licensed or work under the
                                              being sold for use as pets or exhibition.               wild mammals, and domesticated farm-                   guidance of a licensed USDA trainer.
                                              Larger exotic or wild animals, such as                  type animals). We are also adding more                    Finally, one commenter disagreed
                                              lions, tigers, wolves, or bears, do not fall            examples of animals that fall under this               with our use of the term ‘‘infrequent
                                              into this category.                                     exhibitor exemption for clarity.                       exhibition.’’ The commenter asked who
                                                                                                         Two commenters disagreed with the                   would monitor such exhibitors for
                                              Exhibitor Licensing Exemptions                          proposed numeric thresholds, noting                    compliance with the regulations and
                                                 In the proposed rule, we also                        that seasonal exhibitors are allowed to                stated that allowing infrequent
                                              proposed de minimis exemptions from                     work up to eight animals while                         exhibitors to go unlicensed is not fair to
                                              the licensing requirements for exhibitors               infrequent or intermittent (mainly film                licensed exhibitors who have to conduct
                                              based on the size of their AWA-related                  and theatrical) exhibitors are only                    recordkeeping and be inspected.
                                              business activity as measured by the                    allowed to work four animals. One of                      We have reconsidered this matter and
                                              total number of animals maintained, the                 these commenters stated that both types                agree with the commenters that the
                                              type of exhibitor activity, and/or the                  of exhibition require off-site housing                 animals pose similar potential risks and
                                              duration of the exhibition. Specifically,               and frequent transport, putting animals                will likely experience similar treatment
                                              for persons who exhibit four or fewer                   at greater potential risk regardless of the            and care, regardless of the duration or
                                              eligible animals in permanent facilities,               number exhibited, yet under                            frequency of the exhibition. We have
                                              we proposed a de minimis exemption                      § 2.1(a)(3)(xii) an infrequent or                      concluded that individuals and
                                              under § 2.1(a)(3)(x). For seasonal                      intermittent exhibitor would require a                 businesses exhibiting eight or fewer pet
                                              exhibitors, we proposed an exemption                    license with five to eight animals while               animals, small exotic or wild animals,
                                              in § 2.1(a)(3)(xi) for any person who                   seasonal exhibitors with the same                      and/or domesticated farm-type animals
                                              maintains a total of eight or fewer dogs,               number of animals exhibited would not                  have a de minimis size of business
                                              cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs,                   require a license. Similarly, another                  based on the number of animals
                                              chinchillas, cows, goats, pigs, and                     commenter stated that regardless of                    maintained, capability of providing
                                              sheep, for seasonal exhibition and                      whether animals are used for seasonal                  adequate care and treatment of such
                                              exhibits any or all of the animals for no               or infrequent exhibition, the potential                animals, and public oversight.
                                              more than 30 days per calendar year.                    impact on the animal’s welfare is the                  Accordingly, we are revising
                                              We also proposed an exhibitor licensing                 same. For this reason, the commenter                   § 2.1(a)(3)(vii) to establish a single
                                              exemption in § 2.1(a)(3)(xii) for any                   recommended that the seasonal                          exemption from the licensing
                                              person who maintains a total of four or                 exemption be limited to four or fewer                  requirements for persons who maintain
                                              fewer common, domesticated, non-                        animals.                                               a total of eight or fewer pet animals,
                                              dangerous household pet animals for                        Two other commenters disagreed with                 small exotic or wild animals, and/or
                                              infrequent or intermittent exhibition for               the limit of days we placed on the                     domesticated farm-type animals for
                                              no more than 30 days per calendar year,                 seasonal exhibit exemption and said                    exhibition, and are not otherwise
                                              who derives less than a substantial                     that the duration should be longer. One                required to obtain a license. This de
                                              portion of income from a nonprimary                     such commenter stated that many spring                 minimis threshold applies without
                                              source for exhibiting such animals,                     and fall exhibits run between specific                 regard to the frequency of exhibition
                                              whose animals reside exclusively at the                 weekends and are often weather                         and will allow the Agency to focus its
                                              residence of the owner, and who is not                  dependent, and stated that at least 6 to               limited resources on situations that pose
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                                              otherwise required to obtain a license.                 8 weeks would be better for the seasonal               a higher risk to animal welfare and
                                                 One commenter stated that the                        de minimis exemption. On the other                     public safety.
                                              proposal was unclear with respect to                    hand, one commenter stated that                           One commenter stated that the
                                              what animal species are eligible for the                seasonal exhibitions should not have a                 seasonal exhibition threshold for
                                              proposed de minimis exhibitor                           duration of more than 10 days per year.                exemption should be raised from 30 to
                                              exemptions and asked us to clarify.                        Another commenter stated that                       45 days, noting that apple orchards,
                                              With respect to the proposed de                         allowing infrequent or intermittent                    corn mazes, and Christmas tree farms


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                            25553

                                              usually display small numbers of farm                   and cats. We explained in the proposed                    Another commenter stated concerns
                                              animals and are open at least 45 days.                  rule that removal of these requirements                 about how APHIS decides which
                                              The commenter recommended that if                       will remove any confusion with the                      current license holders meet the
                                              such facilities are only exhibiting farm                current regulatory requirements and                     exemption threshold, citing inconsistent
                                              animals and are only open seasonally                    will have no impact on facilities and                   data in the APHIS database regarding
                                              for 30 to 45 days, they should not be                   animal welfare.                                         the number of animals reported at the
                                              regulated.                                                 Four commenters raised questions                     premises of licensees. Given these
                                                 As noted in the proposed rule, the Act               about our proposed removal of obsolete                  inconsistencies, the commenter asked
                                              contains a number of exclusions for                     sheltering and minimum space                            whether APHIS can reliably determine
                                              domesticated farm-type animals and                      requirements. One commenter asked if                    who qualifies for the exemption and
                                              agricultural practices. For example, the                APHIS was certain that no entities were                 who does not.
                                              definition of animal excludes farm                      still maintaining animals under these                     We will continue to use the
                                              animals, such as, but not limited to,                   requirements. Three of the commenters                   information submitted to APHIS by
                                              livestock or poultry used or intended for               stated that some facilities may still be                current license holders and the number
                                              use as food or fiber, or livestock or                   using primary enclosures acquired                       of animals observed during the
                                              poultry used or intended for use for                    before August 15, 1990, and asserted                    inspection process to determine if they
                                              improving animal nutrition, breeding,                   that they would therefore still be subject              meet the exemption thresholds. We
                                              management, or production efficiency,                   to the requirements we are proposing to                 consider our process for determining
                                              or for improving the quality of food or                 remove. These commenters asked that                     exemptions to be accurate and reliable.
                                              fiber. In addition, we wish to highlight                we remove these changes from the                          We also received a number of general
                                              that the definition of exhibitor also                   proposed rulemaking and reissue the                     comments that were outside the scope
                                              contains exclusions for organizations                   changes in a separate rulemaking so that                of the rulemaking.
                                              sponsoring and all persons participating                affected facilities receive adequate                      Finally, we are also making several
                                              in State and county fairs, livestock                    notice and opportunity to comment.                      nonsubstantive miscellaneous changes
                                              shows, rodeos, and other fairs and                         We have reconsidered these proposed                  for consistency.
                                              exhibitions intended to advance                         changes in light of these comments and                    Therefore, for the reasons given in the
                                              agricultural arts and sciences as may be                agree that some entities may still                      proposed rule and in this document, we
                                              determined by the Secretary.                            maintain hamsters, guinea pigs, and                     are adopting the proposed rule as a final
                                              Exhibitions of exclusively domesticated                 rabbits in enclosures acquired prior to                 rule with the changes discussed in this
                                              farm-type animals, exhibitions of                       August 15, 1990. Therefore, we will                     document.
                                              traditional farming and agricultural                    retain §§ 3.28(b) and 3.53(b) in the
                                              practices, and exhibitions of art                                                                               Effective Date
                                                                                                      regulations and will consider removing
                                              portraying traditional farming and                      them in a separate rulemaking.                             This is a substantive rule that relieves
                                              agricultural settings, are accordingly                  However, we are adopting the proposed                   restrictions and, pursuant to the
                                              exempt from the definition of exhibitor.                revisions to §§ 3.6(a)(2)(xii) and                      provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553, may be made
                                              Examples of exhibitions that may fall in                3.80(b)(1) in this final rule.                          effective less than 30 days after
                                              this category include exhibition of                                                                             publication in the Federal Register.
                                              exclusively domesticated farm-type                      Other Comments                                             This rule relieves regulatory
                                              animals (such as cows, goats, pigs,                       One commenter encouraged APHIS to                     responsibilities for some currently
                                              sheep, llamas, and alpacas), nativity                   investigate sanctuaries and private                     licensed entities and reduces the cost of
                                              scenes with a camel and domesticated                    collections holding dangerous animals,                  business for those entities. Those
                                              farm-type animals displayed in a barn or                as such facilities appear to be exhibiting              currently licensed exhibitors and
                                              other traditional farm-type setting, and                animals for purposes that affect                        dealers (including breeders meeting the
                                              traditional agricultural displays of                    commerce for compensation in the                        definition of dealer) who are under the
                                              working animals, such as reindeer                       absence of USDA oversight.                              proposed de minimis thresholds will no
                                              pulling a sled or working on a farm.                      APHIS looks into any credible                         longer be subject to licensing, animal
                                              Exhibitions displaying other types of                   complaints or information it receives                   identification, and recordkeeping
                                              animals (such as lions, tigers, elephants,              regarding individuals or businesses that                requirements under the AWA.
                                              and bears) or animals other than                        may be engaging in regulated activity                   Therefore, the Administrator of the
                                              exclusively farm-type animals in non-                   without the required license. To report                 Animal and Plant Health Inspection
                                              agricultural settings (such as camel rides              a concern about an animal covered                       Service has determined that this rule
                                              for the public at a carnival), require                  under the AWA, the public may submit                    should be effective upon publication in
                                              licensure. Although the kinds of                        a complaint online at: https://                         the Federal Register.
                                              exhibits noted by the commenter may                     www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/
                                                                                                                                                              Executive Orders 12866 and 13771 and
                                              not all be exempt under the exhibitor                   animalwelfare/complaint-form, or by
                                                                                                                                                              Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                              licensing exemption, we wish to clarify                 contacting one of our Animal Care
                                              that they may already be excluded from                  offices.6                                                 This final rule has been determined to
                                              regulation pursuant to the definition of                  One commenter asked that we lift the                  be not significant for the purposes of
                                              exhibitor.                                              stay imposed on the disaster                            Executive Order 12866 and, therefore,
                                                                                                      contingency plan rulemaking as soon as                  has not been reviewed by the Office of
                                              Proposed Changes to § 3.28 and § 3.53                                                                           Management and Budget.
                                                                                                      possible.
                                                We proposed to remove §§ 3.28(b),                       As we noted in the proposed rule, the                   This rule is not an Executive Order
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                                              3.53(b), and 3.80(b)(1), which contain                  Secretary is reviewing the impact of the                13771 regulatory action because this
                                              obsolete sheltering and minimum space                   2014 Farm Bill amendment on the                         rule is not significant under Executive
                                              requirements for hamsters, guinea pigs,                 contingency plan rulemaking and will                    Order 12866. Further, APHIS considers
                                              rabbits, and nonhuman primates, and to                  decide whether to lift the stay once the                this rule to be a deregulatory action
                                              revise § 3.6(a)(2)(xii) to remove phase-in              review is concluded.                                    under Executive Order 13771 as the
                                              dates which are no longer needed                                                                                action relieves regulatory
                                              regarding primary enclosures for dogs                     6 See   Footnote 4.                                   responsibilities for some currently


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                                              25554                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              licensed entities and reduces the cost of               public comment period on the proposed                  to promote the use of the internet and
                                              business for those entities.                            rule that would alter this assessment. In              other information technologies, to
                                                 In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 604, we                  the absence of apparent significant                    provide increased opportunities for
                                              have performed a final regulatory                       economic impacts, we have not                          citizen access to Government
                                              flexibility analysis, which is                          identified steps that would minimize                   information and services, and for other
                                              summarized below, regarding the                         such impacts.                                          purposes. For information pertinent to
                                              economic effects of this rule on small                                                                         E-Government Act compliance related
                                              entities. Copies of the full analysis are               Executive Order 12372                                  to this rule, please contact Ms. Kimberly
                                              available on the Regulations.gov website                  This program/activity is listed in the               Hardy, APHIS’ Information Collection
                                              (see footnote 2 in this document for a                  Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance                 Coordinator, at (301) 851–2483.
                                              link to Regulations.gov) or by contacting               under No. 10.025 and is subject to
                                              the person listed under FOR FURTHER                                                                            List of Subjects in 9 CFR Parts 1, 2, and
                                                                                                      Executive Order 12372, which requires
                                              INFORMATION CONTACT.
                                                                                                                                                             3
                                                                                                      intergovernmental consultation with
                                                 This rule relieves regulatory                        State and local officials. (See 2 CFR                    Animal welfare, Marine mammals,
                                              responsibilities for some currently                     chapter IV.)                                           Pets, Reporting and recordkeeping
                                              licensed entities and reduces the cost of                                                                      requirements, Research, Transportation.
                                              business for those entities. Those                      Executive Order 12988                                    Accordingly, we are amending 9 CFR
                                              currently licensed exhibitors and                         This final rule has been reviewed                    parts 1, 2, and 3 as follows:
                                              dealers (including breeders meeting the                 under Executive Order 12988, Civil
                                              definition of dealer) who are under the                 Justice Reform. It is not intended to                  PART 1—DEFINITION OF TERMS
                                              proposed de minimis thresholds will no                  have retroactive effect. The Act does not
                                              longer be subject to licensing, animal                  provide administrative procedures                      ■ 1. The authority citation for part 1
                                              identification, and recordkeeping                       which must be exhausted prior to a                     continues to read as follows:
                                              requirements under the AWA.                             judicial challenge to the provisions of                  Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131–2159; 7 CFR 2.22,
                                                 The cost of a license for the smallest               this rule.                                             2.80, and 371.7.
                                              entities is between $40 and $85                                                                                ■ 2. Section 1.1 is amended by revising
                                              annually. Identification tags for dogs                  Executive Order 13175                                  the definitions of Dealer, Exhibitor, and
                                              and cats cost from $1.12 to $2.50 each.                   This rule has been reviewed in                       Retail pet store to read as follows:
                                              Other covered animals can be identified                 accordance with the requirements of
                                              by a label attached to the primary                                                                             § 1.1   Definitions.
                                                                                                      Executive Order 13175, ‘‘Consultation
                                              enclosure containing a description of                   and Coordination with Indian Tribal                    *      *    *     *     *
                                              the animals in the enclosure at                         Governments.’’ Executive Order 13175                     Dealer means any person who, in
                                              negligible cost. We estimate that the                   requires Federal agencies to consult and               commerce, for compensation or profit,
                                              average currently licensed entity                       coordinate with tribes on a government-                delivers for transportation, or transports,
                                              potentially affected by this rule spends                to-government basis on policies that                   except as a carrier, buys, or sells, or
                                              about 10 hours annually to comply with                  have tribal implications, including                    negotiates the purchase or sale of: Any
                                              the licensing paperwork and                             regulations, legislative comments or                   dog or other animal whether alive or
                                              recordkeeping requirements. All of the                  proposed legislation, and other policy                 dead (including unborn animals, organs,
                                              currently licensed entities that will be                statements or actions that have                        limbs, blood, serum, or other parts) for
                                              considered de minimis under this rule                   substantial direct effects on one or more              research, teaching, testing,
                                              benefit from reduced costs for licensing,               Indian tribes, on the relationship                     experimentation, exhibition, or use as a
                                              identification, and recordkeeping.                      between the Federal Government and                     pet; or any dog at the wholesale level for
                                                 We estimate that about 323 currently                 Indian tribes or on the distribution of                hunting, security, or breeding purposes.
                                              licensed exhibitors and breeders with a                 power and responsibilities between the                 This term does not include: A retail pet
                                              total of 1,106 animals operating at or                  Federal Government and Indian tribes.                  store, as defined in this section; and any
                                              below the thresholds for their particular                 The Animal and Plant Health                          retail outlet where dogs are sold for
                                              AWA-related business activity will be                   Inspection Service has assessed the                    hunting, breeding, or security purposes.
                                              considered de minimis and will no                       impact of this rule on Indian tribes and               *      *    *     *     *
                                              longer need to be licensed. We estimate                 determined that this rule does not, to                   Exhibitor means any person (public or
                                              that the cost savings for all these entities            our knowledge, have tribal implications                private) exhibiting any animals, which
                                              could total between about $62,000 and                   that require tribal consultation under                 were purchased in commerce or the
                                              $68,500 annually. Our estimate of cost                  Executive Order 13175. We did not                      intended distribution of which affects
                                              savings is based on agency experience                   receive any requests from tribes for                   commerce, or will affect commerce, to
                                              and data from the APHIS Animal Care                     consultation regarding the proposed                    the public for compensation, as
                                              database on current licensees. We used                  rule.                                                  determined by the Secretary. This term
                                              information from the database on the                                                                           includes carnivals, circuses, animal
                                              type of animals and number of each                      Paperwork Reduction Act                                acts, zoos, and educational exhibits,
                                              type of animal at a current licensee, and                  In accordance with section 3507(d) of               exhibiting such animals whether
                                              their most recent inspection reports to                 the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995                    operated for profit or not. This term
                                              determine the number of current                         (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the information              excludes retail pet stores, horse and dog
                                              licensees who could potentially be                      collection requirements included in this               races, an owner of a common,
                                              exempt based on the criteria established                final rule are approved under Office of                domesticated household pet who
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                                              in this rule.                                           Management and Budget control                          derives less than a substantial portion of
                                                 Based on our review of available                     number 0579–0036.                                      income from a nonprimary source (as
                                              information, APHIS does not expect the                                                                         determined by the Secretary) for
                                              rule to have a significant economic                     E-Government Act Compliance                            exhibiting an animal that exclusively
                                              impact on a substantial number of small                   The Animal and Plant Health                          resides at the residence of the pet
                                              entities. We did not receive information                Inspection Service is committed to                     owner, organizations sponsoring and all
                                              concerning affected entities during the                 compliance with the EGovernment Act                    persons participating in State and


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                                25555

                                              country fairs, livestock shows, rodeos,                 as cows, goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, and               § 3.6    Primary enclosures.
                                              field trials, coursing events, purebred                 alpacas) and sells only the offspring of               *      *      *    *    *
                                              dog and cat shows, and any other fairs                  these animals, which were born and
                                                                                                                                                                (a) * * *
                                              or exhibitions intended to advance                      raised on his or her premises, for pets
                                              agricultural arts and sciences, as may be               or exhibition, and is not otherwise                       (2) * * *
                                              determined by the Secretary.                            required to obtain a license. This                        (xii) If the suspended floor of a
                                              *      *     *     *     *                              exemption does not extend to any                       primary enclosure is constructed of
                                                 Retail pet store means a place of                    person residing in a household that                    metal strands, the strands must either be
                                              business or residence at which the                      collectively maintains a total of more                 greater than 1⁄8 of an inch in diameter
                                              seller, buyer, and the animal available                 than four of these breeding female                     (9 gauge) or coated with a material such
                                              for sale are physically present so that                 animals, regardless of ownership, or to                as plastic or fiberglass. The suspended
                                              every buyer may personally observe the                  any person maintaining such breeding                   floor of any primary enclosure must be
                                              animal prior to purchasing and/or                       female animals on premises on which                    strong enough so that the floor does not
                                              taking custody of that animal after                     more than four of these breeding female
                                                                                                                                                             sag or bend between the structural
                                              purchase, and where only the following                  animals are maintained, or to any
                                                                                                                                                             supports.
                                              animals are sold or offered for sale, at                person acting in concert with others
                                              retail, for use as pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits,           where they collectively maintain a total               *      *      *    *    *
                                              guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats,                   of more than four of these breeding
                                                                                                                                                             § 3.80    [Amended]
                                              mice, gophers, chinchillas,                             female animals, regardless of
                                              domesticated ferrets, domesticated farm-                ownership;                                             ■  7. Section 3.80 is amended:
                                              type animals, birds, and coldblooded                    *      *    *      *    *                              ■  a. By removing paragraph (b)(1);
                                              species. Such definition excludes—                         (vii) Any person who maintains a
                                                                                                                                                             ■ b. By removing paragraph (b)(2)
                                                 (1) Establishments or persons who                    total of eight or fewer pet animals as
                                              deal in dogs used for hunting, security,                defined in part 1 of this subchapter,                  introductory text;
                                              or breeding purposes;                                   small exotic or wild mammals (such as                  ■ c. By redesignating paragraphs
                                                 (2) Establishments or persons                        hedgehogs, degus, spiny mice, prairie                  (b)(2)(i) through (iv) as paragraphs (b)(1)
                                              exhibiting, selling, or offering to exhibit             dogs, flying squirrels, jerboas,                       through (4), respectively;
                                              or sell any wild or exotic or other                     domesticated ferrets, chinchillas, and                 ■ d. In newly redesignated paragraph
                                              nonpet species of warmblooded animals                   gerbils), and/or domesticated farm-type                (b)(1), footnote 4, by removing the
                                              (except birds), such as skunks, raccoons,               animals (such as cows, goats, pigs,                    words ‘‘paragraph (b)(2)(ii)’’ and adding
                                              nonhuman primates, squirrels, ocelots,                  sheep, llamas, and alpacas) for
                                                                                                                                                             the words ‘‘paragraph (b)(2)’’ in their
                                              foxes, coyotes, etc.;                                   exhibition, and is not otherwise
                                                                                                                                                             place;
                                                 (3) Any establishment or person                      required to obtain a license. This
                                              selling warmblooded animals (except                     exemption does not extend to any                       ■ e. In newly redesignated paragraphs
                                              birds, and laboratory rats and mice) for                person acting in concert with others                   (b)(2) and (b)(4) by removing the words
                                              research or exhibition purposes;                        where they collectively maintain a total               ‘‘paragraph (b)(2)(i)’’ and adding the
                                                 (4) Any establishment wholesaling                    of more than eight of these animals for                words ‘‘paragraph (b)(1)’’ in their place;
                                              any animals (except birds, rats, and                    exhibition, regardless of possession and/              and
                                              mice); and                                              or ownership;                                          ■ f. In paragraph (c), by removing the
                                                 (5) Any establishment exhibiting pet                 *      *    *      *    *                              words ‘‘paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)’’
                                              animals in a room that is separate from                    (c) * * *                                           and adding the words ‘‘paragraph (b)’’
                                              or adjacent to the retail pet store, or in                 (2) The applicant has paid the                      in their place.
                                              an outside area, or anywhere off the                    application fee of $10 and the annual
                                              retail pet store premises.                              license fee indicated in § 2.6 to the                  § 3.127    [Amended]
                                              *      *     *     *     *                              appropriate Animal Care regional office
                                                                                                                                                             ■  8. In § 3.127, paragraph (d)(5) is
                                                                                                      for an initial license.
                                              PART 2—REGULATIONS                                                                                             amended by removing the words ‘‘farm
                                                                                                      *      *    *      *    *                              animals’’ and adding the words
                                              ■ 3. The authority citation for part 2                                                                         ‘‘domesticated farm-type animals’’ in
                                                                                                      PART 3—STANDARDS
                                              continues to read as follows:                                                                                  their place.
                                                Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131–2159; 7 CFR 2.22,            ■ 5. The authority citation for part 3                   Done in Washington, DC, this 29th day of
                                              2.80, and 371.7.                                        continues to read as follows:                          May 2018.
                                              ■ 4. Section 2.1 is amended by revising                   Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131–2159; 7 CFR                 Kevin Shea,
                                              paragraphs (a)(3)(iii), (a)(3)(vii), and                2.22, 2.80, and 371.7.                                 Administrator, Animal and Plant Health
                                              (c)(2) to read as follows:
                                                                                                      ■ 6. Section 3.6 is amended:                           Inspection Service.
                                              § 2.1   Requirements and application.                   ■ a. By revising paragraph (a)(2)(xii);                [FR Doc. 2018–11892 Filed 6–1–18; 8:45 am]
                                                (a) * * *                                             ■ b. By removing paragraph (b)(1)(i);                  BILLING CODE 3410–34–P
                                                (3) * * *                                             ■ c. By removing paragraph (b)(1)(ii)
                                                (iii) Any person who maintains a total                introductory text;
                                              of four or fewer breeding female pet                    ■ d. By redesignating paragraphs
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES




                                              animals as defined in part 1 of this                    (b)(1)(iii) and (b)(1)(iv) as paragraphs
                                              subchapter, small exotic or wild                        (b)(1)(iv) and (b)(1)(v) respectively; and
                                              mammals (such as hedgehogs, degus,                      ■ e. By redesignating paragraphs
                                              spiny mice, prairie dogs, flying                        (b)(1)(ii)(A), (b)(1)(ii)(B), and (b)(1)(ii)(C)
                                              squirrels, jerboas, domesticated ferrets,               as paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (b)(1)(ii), and
                                              chinchillas, and gerbils), and/or                       (b)(1)(iii) respectively.
                                              domesticated farm-type animals (such                      The revision reads as follows:


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Document Created: 2018-06-02 00:47:35
Document Modified: 2018-06-02 00:47:35
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesEffective June 4, 2018.
ContactDr. Kay Carter-Corker, DVM, Director, National Policy Staff, USDA-APHIS-Animal Care, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 851-3748.
FR Citation83 FR 25549 
RIN Number0579-AD99
CFR Citation9 CFR 1
9 CFR 2
9 CFR 3
CFR AssociatedAnimal Welfare; Marine Mammals; Pets; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Research and Transportation

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